Virtually all aircraft will have an initial safety certificate. The aircraft will then need to complete ongoing airworthiness checks and approvals. Aircraft with a single seat and microlight aircraft under 300kg are exempt from airworthiness rules.

Certification

The standard and type of certification varies depending on how the aircraft was built and what it is used for. Most recreational aircraft have either a Certificate of Airworthiness (this is most common for factory built aircraft) or a Permit to Fly (commonly for; microlights, amateur built aircraft or ex military aircraft).

• Information on obtaining or renewing a certificate of airworthiness
• Permit to fly

Occasionally aircraft can move from a Certificate of Airworthiness (C of A) to a Permit to Fly (P to F). This normally happens when the manufacturer of the aircraft no longer exists and there is no other body to support it.

• Guidance for owners who are considering moving from a C of A to a Permit

Registration

Before an aircraft can be awarded a UK certificate of airworthiness or permit to fly it must be registered with the Civil Aviation Authority.

• How to register an aircraft, change ownership details and search the UK register

UK registered aircraft with a fitted radio will need a licence for the radio equipment. For further information please visit our radio licensing section.

We also publish guidance on the restoration and rebuild of ex military aircraft.